Many potential test takers seeking admission into the very best of schools have so many questions regarding their ACT scores. Many ask if a 34 on the ACT is good or want to know what schools they can get into with such a score.
Well, the truth is that an ACT score of 34 is an incredibly good score. Not only is it competitive enough for some of the best schools, but it is also good enough to make you eligible for a merit-based scholarship.
If you want to know how good a score of 34 on the ACT is, its percentile, the schools that accept this score, and how you can get such a score, then this article is for you.
Is a 34 on the ACT good?
The ACT score is one important factor that many schools look at during the admission process.
A score of 34 on the ACT places you in the 99th percentile, which means that only 1% of test takers scored higher than you. With this score, you are eligible to attend some of the most prestigious schools in the country.
In addition, you are also eligible for a merit-based scholarship. This scholarship is open to students who scored in the 99th percentile. So, all being considered, a score of 34 on the ACT is a good one.
Schools that accept a score of 34 on the ACT
As a potential ACT test taker, you are probably wondering about the kind of college or university you want to attend. Well, the good news is that if you score 34 on the ACT, you definitely have a good chance of attending top schools.
Although you should note that many schools use a holistic system of admission. This means that they take other factors into consideration and not just the ACT score.
However, with an ACT score of 34, you can get into the following schools.
1. Reach schools
These reach schools are generally harder to get into since their average admitted ACT score is high. However, along with a good GPA, you have a good chance of being admitted to the following schools;
- California Institute of Technology – Pasadena, CA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Cambridge, MA
- Princeton University – Princeton, NJ
- Brown University – Providence, RI
- Harvard University – Cambridge, MA
- Stanford University – Stanford, CA
- The University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, PA
- Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, MD
- The University of Chicago – Chicago, IL
- Vanderbilt University – Nashville, TN
2. Match schools
These match schools are slightly difficult to get into as their average admitted ACT score is around 34. With this score, along with a good GPA, you have a better chance of getting admitted to the following schools;
- Boston College – Chestnut Hill, MA
- Tufts University – Medford, MA
- Villanova University – Villanova, PA
- Boston University – Boston, MA
- New York University – New York, NY
- Lehigh University – Bethlehem, PA
- Northwestern University – Evanston, IL
- Dartmouth College – Hanover, NH
- University of Notre Dame – Notre Dame, IN
- Cornell University – Ithaca, NY
3. Safety schools
Some of the most prestigious safety schools that accept an ACT score of 34 include the following;
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Troy, NY
- The University of Texas at Dallas – Richardson, TX
- The University of Texas at Austin – Austin, TX
- Washington University – Bellingham, WA
- University of California, Los Angeles – Los Angeles, California
- University of California, Irvine – Irvine, CA
- Texas A&M University’s College – College Station, Texas
- University of Central Florida – Orlando, FL
- Purdue University-Main Campus – West Lafayette, IN
- Syracuse University – Syracuse, NY
How to prepare for the ACT
Now you know how good a score of 34 is on the ACT, let’s see how you can get that score or even better.
1. Preparation is key
Getting a high ACT score takes effort and dedication. You must prepare long before the exam rather than waiting a week or two before the exam to start preparing.
I strongly advise you to create a reading time timetable. This should include time to study, subjects to study, time to take practice tests, and time to rest.
Afterwards, ensure you follow this timetable strictly, as failing to do so could prove to be detrimental to your target score.
2. Set practice tests under real conditions
Taking practice tests will help you identify areas in which you are lacking. However, you can try and push further by taking the test under real conditions. This means timing yourself while taking the test.
If you do this regularly, you build not only your speed but also spot areas that slow you down. Take note of these areas and practice answering questions on that topic.
With time you will surely see improvement in your performance. In addition to that, you will also build your confidence for the main test.
3. Seek assistance
Many people shy away from this option as they feel getting a tutor is expensive. Although that is true, you still have other ways of getting the assistance you need.
Talk to your teacher about extra help, they will see how seriously you take your studies. With any luck, they should be willing to help you.
Additionally, you can also join ACT study groups. The good thing about these study groups is that many offer quality study materials that you will definitely find useful. Remember to ask questions on subjects or topics that you find to be challenging.
4. Read instructions and questions properly before attempting them
One mistake many test takers make is to dive right into the questions without full understanding. Remember, most of these questions are tricky, and you need to understand them before attempting them.
In cases where you still find it hard to understand certain questions, simply skip them and take note of them. After attempting other questions, you can come back to those questions.
Even if you still don’t know how to go about these questions, do not leave the question unanswered. Each question has 5 options, so try guessing, you have a 20% chance of picking the right one.
FAQs
How will your ACT score impact your chances of getting into college?
Many colleges look at the ACT score as a predictor of future collegiate success.
Should you take the test again if you score 34 on the ACT?
No, you should not.
An ACT score of 34 places you in the 99th percentile and is competitive enough for some of the very best schools. There is no need to retake the ACT again.
What is a 32 on the ACT equivalent to on the SAT?
A score of 34 on the ACT is equivalent to earning 1520 – 1550 on the SAT.
Conclusion: Is a 34 on the ACT worth it?
A 34 on the SAT is a very good score. Not only does it place you in the 99th percentile, but it also makes getting into some of the best schools easier.
Along with a good grade point average, you have a vast array of schools that are more than happy to admit you. However, earning this score is not particularly easy.
It takes effort and dedication to get this score. Therefore, you must ensure you prepare adequately by taking practice tests and building your confidence towards the exam.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article. In addition to getting a good ACT score, you will also need a good GPA for your application to stand out. See some easy and effective tips to get a 5.0 GPA.
Thanks for reading.
